Spotlight on Pomegranates

Pomegranate season is in full swing. And so are the questions about them! Here are the top 4 we hear when the puzzling, powerful pomegranate is mentioned:

#1: Why Do We Love Them?

Pomegranates are nutrient-rich. They’re high in Vitamins C & K, fiber & potassium. Pomegranates are also full of antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory properties.They protect your body from free radicals that can cause a variety of health problems. Some of their many benefits include:

Lowering blood pressure and cholesterol

Reducing arthritis and joint pain

Helping to delay the onset or slow progression of Alzheimer’s disease

Research also shows that 100% pomegranate juice made from arils can slow the growth of prostate cancer and impede the reproduction of breast cancer cells. That’s a great reason to enjoy this tasty fruit fresh, as a juice, or as an ingredient in a meal.

#2: What Part Do You Eat?When it comes to pomegranates, most people just eat the seeds or arils – and they have some wonderful health benefits! They are very juicy, extremely nutritious and wonderfully flavorful; in other words, arils are not your typical seed. Fun fact: one pomegranate can hold over 600 seeds! You can also eat the creamy white pithy part surrounding the seeds, but it’s pretty bitter and not essential to enjoying this fruit.

#3: How The Heck Do You Get The Seeds Out?

As they become more popular, pomegranate seeds can be found in most produce sections. This is a quick and mess-free way to enjoy the health benefits without the hassle of de-seeding this fruit.

But, though it might seem intimidating, there’s no need to shy away from de-seeding your own fresh pomegranate. Learn the easiest way to de-seed a pomegranate here, and then try your hand at one of these yummy recipes!

#4 Now what can you make with Pomegranate?

The good news is that the sky’s the limit for how to mix fresh pomegranate into your menu – from salad to steak! You can substitute it into most recipes that call for a tangy berry, like cranberries. If you need some inspiration, there are some great recipe sites that are just a click away. Our friends at Jen Reviews created a yummy pomegranate syrup (check out the recipe for Sweet Potato Fritters with Pomegranate Syrup and Feta). And we’ve listed some great options below. Take a leap, try something new, and enjoy a healthy, fresh Pomegranate treat!